Highland Park Scottish Ballet 50

The Scottish Ballet – officially Scotland’s National Dance Company – celebrated it’s 50th anniversary in 2019. Apart from the fact that it is indeed a dance company, they also perform a lot of charity work. To name but one example, they organise creative dance lessons for Parkinson patients. Highland Park felt compelled to make a contribution and Master Blender Gordon Motion created this expression. A part of the proceeds of the sales of these 5.000 bottles will be donated to Scottish Ballet’s charity work.

On the nose – which is quite peppery – I get a lot of earthy notes, gingerbread and mildly bitter oranges. That is supported by a slight smokiness, green garden herbs and soft caramel. Some stable scent and… err… beaten eggwhite. Pine wood.

The mouthfeel is quite soft, almost watery. Not much is left of the fruit on the palate, it’s mostly caramel, wood and spices now. Rotting oranges (not an off-note!) with lots of pepper and ginger. The typical Orkney peat kicks in, but it’s hard to call this Highland Park smoky.

The finish is the best part of this HP: long, warm, dark and sweet with a sot smoky ending.

I would lie if I said I found this HP really good. Thanks, Benny!

Find where to buy Highland Park whisky